Hangzhou's iconic West Lake at dusk. [Photo/WeChat account: westlake_china]

Hangzhou, as a leading inbound tourism destination, has rolled out a fully digital one-code travel service for international visitors, anchored on the Alipay Tourism Code, enabling seamless access to transport, attractions, hotels, and shopping through a single QR code.

On May 19, Zhejiang province launched its first government-funded cultural and tourism consumption voucher program, covering major cities such as Hangzhou, Wenzhou, and Jiaxing. The initiative delivers a fully digital experience covering dining, accommodation, transportation, shopping, and entertainment.

As the pilot city, Hangzhou is the first in the province to implement a closed-loop one-code pass system, integrating voucher issuance, redemption, and entry management through Alipay. The system enables both online and offline verification, improving entry efficiency at major scenic spots.

Under the program, inbound tourists can access a series of targeted vouchers in four major areas:

In transportation, visitors receive voucher packages covering urban buses and metro services, allowing frictionless travel across the city.

In accommodation, tourists booking hotels via designated platforms can enjoy a 20 percent discount for stays above 200 yuan ($29.4), with coverage extending from luxury properties such as Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake to all registered hotels citywide.

In sightseeing, major attractions including Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, and Hangzhou Zoo offer 20-percent ticket discounts, encouraging deeper exploration of the city's natural and cultural heritage.

In shopping and dining, consumption vouchers can be used at department stores such as Hangzhou Tower, Silk brands like Wensli, outlet malls, and cultural retail districts including Wensan Digital Block. Purchases of over 100 yuan receive a 20-percent discount at restaurants, traditional shops, and tax-refund stores.

A key innovation of the program is the Alipay-enabled Tourism Code closed-loop entry system. After real-name registration in Alipay's international version, tourists' identity information is synchronized with scenic spot systems. Upon arrival, visitors can enter attractions by simply scanning the code — without presenting passports or waiting in ticket queues — achieving true scan-and-go access.

Tips about getting Hangzhou's travel coupons. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]